Visas: Most visitors need a visa. Citizens of many Western countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport for $50 USD (cash only), valid for 15–30 days. The process can be slow and is not guaranteed — applying in advance through the Bangladeshi embassy or the official e-visa portal is safer. Some nationalities require a visa before arrival regardless.
Currency: The taka (BDT) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Dhaka and major cities but scarce in rural areas. Carry cash when traveling outside the main towns. US dollars and euros are exchangeable at banks and authorized money changers; street exchange is not recommended.
Health: Drink bottled or purified water throughout the country. The risk of mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria) exists, especially in the hill tracts and during and after the monsoon. Consult a travel health clinic before your trip and take appropriate precautions. Standard food hygiene rules apply — street food from busy stalls with high turnover is generally fine.
Safety: Bangladesh is safer for travelers than its reputation suggests. Petty theft exists in Dhaka, as it does in any large city. Political demonstrations can turn volatile with little warning — avoid large gatherings. The US and UK governments periodically issue advisories about security; check these before traveling. The Chittagong Hill Tracts require a permit from the Home Ministry or local DC office; rules change periodically.
Language: Bangla (Bengali) is the official language. English is widely understood in Dhaka and among educated Bangladeshis across the country.
Internet and phones: Mobile coverage is good across most of the country. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to obtain at the airport with a passport. Data is inexpensive. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes in Dhaka and larger cities.
Electricity: 220–240V AC, 50Hz. Plugs are typically round two- or three-pin (Type C/D/G). Power cuts are common outside major cities — a torch is useful.